The Life and Legacy of Amalia Hernandez

The Life and Legacy of Amalia Hernandez

Introduction

 I chose Amalia Hernández because I think she’s really cool and inspiring. What I liked most about her is how she mixed classical ballet with traditional Mexican folk dance to create something totally new and different. I think it’s awesome how she used dance to tell stories and share Mexican culture with people all over the world. Her group, Ballet Folklórico de México, helped show how beautiful and important these traditions are. I picked her because she made a big impact and showed that art can be a powerful way to connect with others and share where you come from.

You can see how confident she is in the way she holds herself, which really draws your attention. And if you look at what she’s wearing, that high-neck top with the bold pattern, it’s not just a costume. It feels meaningful, probably tied to the dance she was performing that day. It reminds us that what she was doing wasn’t just a "dance," it was storytelling through her body.

 At the top, she’s fully in character, dressed in traditional costume, lost in the emotion of the performance.  Below, those close-up shots show her grace and strength off stage, too. There’s a quiet power and pride in her expression that tells you just how passionate she was about her art and her culture.

Biological History

Amalia Hernández Navarro was born in Mexico City on September 19, 1917, into a family that valued both education and the arts (Lujan 17). Her father, Lamberto Hernández, was a military officer and government official, while her mother instilled an appreciation for the arts in her children. Despite her privileged upbringing, Hernández was drawn to dance from an early age. She enrolled at the National School of Dance in Mexico City, where she encountered both classical ballet and Mexican folkloric traditions. This blending of forms would become the hallmark of her career (Friscia 113).

In this photo, you can really see her embodying the spirit of traditional Mexican dance. From the flowing skirt to the way she holds the rebozo, everything about her posture is elegant, but also full of emotion.

On the right, there's a folkloric dance performance showcasing traditional Mexican attire. The composition seems designed to make it look like Hernández is proudly watching the legacy she created come to life on stage through the Ballet Folklórico de México.

Interesting Facts

She Helped Save Mexican Traditions: Amalia was not just a dancer—she was also like a cultural detective. She traveled across Mexico to learn about traditional dances, especially from indigenous communities, so she could share them with the world in a respectful and beautiful way. She Became World-Famous: Her dance company performed all over the world, including at the Olympics in 1968 and even for U.S. President John F. Kennedy. People everywhere admired how she mixed old traditions with new dance styles.  She Opened a Dance School: In 1969, Amalia started a school to teach young dancers how to combine classical ballet with Mexican folk dance. Many of her students became great choreographers too, and her school still teaches dancers today.

Amalia is elegant and powerful, dancing with bare feet on the wooden stage, emphasizing the authenticity of traditional Mexican dance.

Career Highlights

Amalia made over 70 dances, and some of her most famous ones are Los Hijos del Sol, La Danza del Venado, and Navidad en Jalisco. Her group performed all over the world—even at fancy places like Lincoln Center in New York and the Paris Opera House. In 1969, she opened a dance school to teach kids how to mix ballet with Mexican folk dance, just like she did. Thanks to her, Mexican dance became known and respected all around the world.

The video shows folkloric performances that highlight the diverse traditions of Mexico, reflecting Hernández's vision of preserving and celebrating Mexican culture through dance.

Conclusion 

Hernández’s choreographic innovations continue to influence modern dancers and choreographers, with her pieces like Los Hijos del Sol and La Danza del Venado remaining staples in the world of folk ballet (Garcia 88). Even after her passing in 2000, the Ballet Folklórico de México continues to honor her legacy by performing her works, preserving the fusion of classical ballet and Mexican traditions she pioneered (Ballet Folklórico de México). Hernández’s contributions to education, through the establishment of the Ballet Folklórico School in Mexico City in 1969, ensure that future generations of dancers can continue to explore and innovate within her unique dance fusion (Garcia 77). Her enduring legacy as a cultural ambassador and visionary in the world of ballet cements her place as one of the most influential figures in dance history.

This gala not only commemorates six decades of folkloric dances founded by Amalia Hernández but also serves as a testament to Amalia Hernández's vision of bringing Mexican traditions to the global stage.

Founded by Hernández in 1952, the Ballet Folklórico de México was her visionary project to preserve and celebrate the diverse cultural traditions of Mexico through dance. The performances in the video show her commitment to bringing these traditions to the stage, blending authentic music, and dynamic choreography. 

References

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Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández. (2013, October 28). Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93WeXpntWO0

Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
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Gala 60 Años Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández
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